State Game Preview

The West Australian Black Swans are set to take on the Victorians this Saturday as the 25 man squad prepares to travel to Northam.

The last time the two states clashed was in 2010 where the big V managed to over-run the West Australians by 56 points at Medibank Stadium.

The Victorians hold the edge over the Black Swans winning the last four clashes between the states over a time frame of two decades.

The home-side will be hoping to break that hoodo come Saturday as they enter the game with a side full of diversity selected from the nine WAFL teams.

KEY PLAYERS:

WEST AUSTRALIA:Kayler-Thompson (SUBIACO LIONS)
The Subiaco Lions Jarrod Kayler-Thompson is set to return to the Black and Gold after a scintillating start to the 2013 season. The midfielder was a part of the 2008 West Australian side which demolished Queensland by 73 points on the road in Townsville. Kayler-Thompson was playing for the Perth Demons up until this year, but moved to the Lions in the off-season where he plays an important leadership role in a building Subi side. The 28 year old has been averaging 29.8 disposals a game for the Lions so expect the winger to have a big influence on the State game this weekend.

Paul Johnson (EAST PERTH ROYALS)
Ex-AFL ruckman Paul Johnson has been a revelation for East Perth in the last two years holding the Royals main ruck duties. Johnson’s gathered 196 hit-outs in seven games this season to stand as the WAFL’s third highest tap-getter, but is more admired for his ability to find and use the ball effectively. Johnson will record his second West Australian appearance as Captain after being given the leadership role by head coach Marc Webb this week.

Paul Bevan (PERTH DEMONS)
ex-Sydney Swans Premiership player Paul Bevan will be crucial in Saturday’s match up against the Victorians due to his knack of rising to the occasion. Bevan currently has his Perth Demons side humming in third position on the WAFL ladder averaging 17 disposals and three goals a game from an attacking midfield role. Will aid Paul Johnson in leading the Black Swans as Vice-Captain.

Rory O’Brien (EAST FREMANTLE SHARKS)The East Fremantle ball magnet will slip on the black and gold for the second time against the Victorians on Saturday as he hopes to continue his current WAFL from. O’Brien leads the league in disposals with a whopping 205 from seven games as the Sharks firm themselves as finals contenders. Works hard at clearances and is also worth a cheeky goal or two; which will be much needed come Saturday.

VICTORIA:Myles Sewell (NORTH BALLARAT ROOSTERS)
Younger brother of Hawthorn premiership player Brad Sewell, Myles plays a sweeping winger role for the North Ballarat Roosters. Is a triple VFL premiership player along with winning the North Ballarat Best and Fairest in 2009. Sewell could be a dangerous weapon for the Vics this weekend if he’s given space.

Michael Lourey (FRANKSTON DOLPHINS)Arguable the Victorians most potent goal threat, Michael Lourey is currently enjoying a stellar start to 2013 with the Frankston Dolphins. The key forward has kicked 18 goals from five games recording two best-on-ground honours along the way. West Australia will have to be clued on against the leading forward to negate his set shot abilities.

Adam Cockie(SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS)
Adam Cockie will return to his home state of Western Australia wearing a Victorian jumper, with the midfielder selected by Vic coach Gary Ayres after a good start to 2013 with the Sandringham Dragons. Cockie once upon a time played for Western Australia, helping the Black Swans record a victory against Queensland in 2008 but will become the Sandgropers nemesis as they face each other this week. Is renowned for his silky midfield play and hard work ethic; but don’t be surprised if he cops a few early niggles from the West Australians as they try and contain his class.

Matthew Bate: (ESSENDON BOMBERS)
Bate played 103 games for the Melbourne Demons before making the move to Essendon in the 2012-2013 off-season. Here Bate would find a key position as co-captain and midfield leader for the Essendon reserves. Can play numerous roles around the ground and is renowned for his booming kick. Has had a slow start to 2013 in the VFL but you can’t deny his ability; expect Bate to rise to the occasion on Saturday.